The negotiations on the Association Agreement and the Agreement on the Creation of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area between the European Union and Moldova advanced at a intense pace and the Vilnius Summit of this year will offer the possibility of obtaining a rapprochement in the bilateral relations, the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Dirk Schuebel said in the reception held by the Delegation on the occasion of Europe Day. Interim Prime Minister Iurie Leanca also took part in the event, IPN reports, quoting a communiqué from the Government.

Dirk Schuebel said that Europe Day represents an exceptional occasion for celebrating the accomplishments of the European Union in promoting democracy, human rights, peace and prosperity on the European continent. For these efforts, in 2012 the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Iurie Leanca underlined the importance of ensuring the continuity of the steps taken in the relations between Moldova and the European Union so as to achieve the set objectives based on the bilateral agenda. “What unites us all today is the fact that we belong to a great European family and have common history, values and traditions and, what is the most important, we aim to live in a stable, prosperous and reunified Europe,” he stated.

The interim Premier said we must start from the fundamental idea that European integration is not an option, but a necessity and an imperative for Moldova. “It is a conscious decision as the EU member states showed that their economic, political and social systems serve first of all the ordinary people,” stated Iurie Leanca, voicing hope that the current political crisis will be overcome by concerted effort and assumed responsibility of the Moldovan political class.

Events will be held in Chisinau and Tiraspol on May 18-26 to celebrate Europe Day that is officially marked on May 9.